Jill and I send warm wishes to Orthodox Christian communities around the world as they celebrate Easter.

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ reminds us of God's abundant love for us and the power of light over darkness. We join Orthodox Christians in giving thanks for these and other blessings and rededicate ourselves to caring for those most in need.

In this sacred season, we hold people who are suffering from war and persecution especially close to our hearts. We will continue to pray and work for peace and justice for all people.

May the Lord bless and keep you this Easter Sunday and in the year ahead.

Yesterday, the Biden-Harris Administration convened state leaders—along with representatives from workforce policy and advocacy organizations, unions, federal agencies, and other stakeholders—to discuss states' efforts to expand investments in students and workers that lead to good jobs in high-demand sectors. President Biden's historic Investing in America agenda—including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, Inflation Reduction Act, and American Rescue Plan—is creating strong demand for skilled workers in clean energy, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, and more. To meet this demand for skilled workers, states are leveraging federal funds and taking bold and innovative actions—from launching free or low-cost community college programs; to expanding earn-and-learn job training opportunities, such as registered apprenticeship programs; to investing a share of their highway formula funds in high-quality workforce development, including supportive services such as child care and transportation. First Lady Jill Biden, a community college educator, continues to travel the country to highlight models that invest in workforce training, career-connected learning programs, and pathways to good-paying jobs.

At yesterday's convening, senior Administration officials including Neera Tanden, Director of the Domestic Policy Council and Mala Adiga, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Policy for the First Lady, heard from leaders representing a dozen states about model programs to lower costs, expand quality job training for students and workers, and better connect education and workforce systems; how they are braiding together federal and state investments; and how the Biden-Harris Administration can continue to support states' efforts. For example, participants heard about Michigan's expansion of free community college; Maryland's workforce development investments using federal highway funds; Colorado's state workforce initiatives that connect students to in-demand jobs; and Indiana's efforts to connect high school students to work-based learning and career scholarship accounts.

Administration officials called on states to invest at least 0.5% of their eligible federal highway formula funds, which nearly $50 billion per year, to expand and diversify their construction workforces. States can follow the examples of Maryland and Pennsylvania by investing highway funds in high-quality workforce approaches such as registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs and supportive services like child care and transportation assistance for workers.

Participants in the White House State Workforce Day Convening included state leaders from:

East Room

5:18 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Hello, hello, hello.

Please have a seat.

I think I told my buddy John Kerry, for the first two years, every time I heard "Hail to the Chief," I'd turn and look around, "Where the hell is he?" [Laughter]

Anyway, it's great to see you all. And on behalf of Jill, Kamala, and Doug, thank you all for being here in one of our favorite events at the White House.

Sixty-one years ago, President Kennedy established the Presidential Medal of Freedom to recognize, quote, "any person who has made an especially meritorious contribution to the security of national int- — and national interests of the United States or world peace, cultural, or other significant public, pri- — public or private endeavors."

You know, in the first class of — of medal recipients was a great, great American writer, E.B. White. Years after receiving the medal, he received a letter from someone who was losing faith in humanity. And E.B. White replied, and I quote, "Relentless- — relentlessness, curiosity, inventiveness, ingenuity have led to deep trouble. We can only hope that these same traits will enable us to claw our way out. Hang on to your hat, hang on to your hope, and wind the clock, and tomorrow is another day."

Today, we have another extraordinary honor to bestow one of the nation's highest civilian honors of 19 incredible people whose relentless curiosity, inventiveness, ingenuity, and hope have kept faith in a better tomorrow.

You know, we see that faith in Father Greg Boyle, who has changed countless lives as pastor of a disadvantaged Catholic parish in Los Angeles. Father, you — through your pioneering gang intervention programs.

You know, I always kid, I went to — I was taught by the Norbertines in — in a public school. Well, you know, they always were worried we were going to go to Jesuit colleges because they said you guys are too liberal.

Thank God for the Jebbies. [Laughter] Thank God. [Applause]

That's what my staff ha- — hates me doing: ad libbing. [Laughter]

Your service as a Jesuit priest over four decades reminds us of the power of redemption, rehabilitation, and our obligation to those who have been condemned or counted out. Thank you, Father Greg, for your amazing grace. Thank you. [Applause]

For some of you today, I know from personal experience that you wish you never had to be at an event like this one without a piece of your soul having been gone.

Judy Shepard, it's been 25 years, Judy, since you last spoke of [to] your beloved Matthew. Your husband, Dennis, is here today as well. The brutal murder of your son galvanized a movement in a — into a law in his name — protect LBG- — LB — LGBTQ Americans. Your relentless advocacy is a reminder that we must give hate no safe harbor and that we can turn it into purpose and that pain you felt into significant purpose. You've done just that. Thank you. [Applause]

And, today, we honor Medgar Evers and his family's pain and purpose — an Army veteran who worked tirelessly to end segregation in Mississippi to deliver the promise of America to all Americans; a patriot who was gunned down by the poison of white supremacy. But his spirit endures.

Joining us is Medgar's daughter, Reena, who was just — was eight — eight years old when she walked out and saw Daddy in the driveway — was taken from her four days before Father's Day. She's here on behalf of the family and her mother, Mer- — excuse me — her mother, Myrlie, who was unable to attend — to travel today.

I want to thank Myrlie for her work to seek justice for Medgar and — and for forging her own civil rights legacy — not just Medgar's, her own civil rights legacy.

In 2021, in this very room, I signed one of the most important laws of my presidency, making Juneteenth the first new federal holiday since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The first person I handed the pen to was Ms. Opal Lee, the grandmother of the movement that helped make it possible.

Juneteenth is a day of profound, profound weight and power to remember the original sin of slavery and the extraordinary capacity to emerge from the most painful moments with a better vision of ourselves. Ms. Opal Lee made it her mission to make history, not erase it. And we're a better nation because of you, Opal. Thank you. [Applause]

Born in Philadelphia, the cradle of our democracy, Dr. Clarence B. Jones wielded a pen as a sword and gave words to the movement that generated in freedom for millions of people. A speechwriter for and lawyer for Dr. King, he helped define the enduring ideas included in the "Dream" that will be ever for- — engraved in the ethos of America. Letting freedom ring, Dr. Clarence B. Jones. Thank you, Dr. Jones. [Applause]

And before social media and clickbait news — [laughter] — Phil Donahue broadcast the power of personal stories in living rooms all across America. He helped change hearts and minds through honest and open dialogue. And over the course of a defining career in television and through thousands of daily conversations, Phil Donahue steered the nation's discourse and spoke to our better angels. I wish you were still speaking there, pal. It made a big difference. [Applause]

From finance to media to philanthropy, Michael Bloomberg has revolutionized our economy. He's transformed how we consume information. He's changed us. He's challenged us, as well, to solve the toughest challenges from gun violence to climate change. And as mayor, he rebuilt the city of New York after 9/11, channeling our spirit of resilience as a nation and a beacon to the world. Michael, thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you for a career of service. [Applause]

I first met Katie Ledecky in 2012. I thought, "My God, what an athlete." She won her first Olympic gold at age 15. And though — through hard work and humility, she's won 10 Olympic medals — 10 — 21 world championship titles and became the greatest female swimmer of all time. She continues to compete this summer in the Par- — Par [Paris] Olympics at age 27, which some say is old for swimming. I think — [laughter] — 27 — don- — don't let age get in your way. [Laughter] I mean, you know what I mean?

Katie, age is just a number, kid. [Laughter] And I — and I can't wait to welcome you back to the White House with more wedals — medals from Team USA. I really mean it, Katie. [Applause] You're the best. The finest woman swimmer in American history.

Jim Thorpe, a one-of-a-kind champion. I grew up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, hearing from my grandpop, A- — his name was Ambrose Finnegan. And, you know, he — he was an All-American at Santa Clara playing football back in 1905. And I grew up always hearing about Jim Thorpe — I'm serious — as the greatest ath- — not just the greatest ball player, the greatest athlete of all time. He talked about him all the time.

In 1912, he became the first Native American athlete to win an Olympic gold medal. He set world records in the decathlon. He was a professional football player, a professional baseball player, a professional basketball player. Jim Thorpe showcased unparalleled — unparalleled athleticism, and he transcended rac- — transcended racial barriers and the power of perseverance, sheer will, and determination.

Thank you, Lynn, who is Jim's oldest living grandchild, for accepting this medal on his behalf. He was incredible. [Applause] Incredible guy.

After hearing my grandpop, I used to go to sleep in Scranton thinking, "God, I wish I could meet him." [Applause] I'm not — incredible. Anyway. I'm going to get carried away here. [Laughter]

For most, the American Dream: to be successful in whatever endeavor you choose here on Earth. For Dr. Ellen Ochoa, this is a dream from the heavens — her dream from the heavens. A granddaughter of Mexican immigrants, Ellen is the first Hispanic woman to go to space, ushering a whole new age of space exploration and — and proving what it means for every generation to dream, to reach for the stars, and to get there. And I tell you what, you're getting there, kid. Thank you so much. [Applause] Thank you [inaudible].

And, Dr. Jane Rigby, a daughter of my home state
of Delaware, I might add — [laughter] — she's not only — she's not only — the only person receiving this medal, she's a — she is a — you know, it's not the reason she's getting it is because she's from Delaware; although, I keep [inaudible]. [Laughter]

She is a groundbreaking astrophysicist in charge of the most powerful telescope ever launched into space. Did you ever see some of the images? They're breathtaking — lightyears — millions of lightyears away.

She's also a long-time advocate of inclusivity in the sciences. By piecing — by piercing [piecing] together and — everything that she's done and by making sure that the grand story of the universe and unlocking the secrets of the galaxies, Dr. Rigby sparks a sense of wonder deep in our souls.

You ought to see some of the photographs — I mean, some of those telescopes. It's — it's mindboggling to me.

For embodying the American Dream and helping Americans reach theirs also, we want to ar- — honor a very good friend of mine, who is not here today: Frank Lautenberg. An Army veteran from New Jersey and the longest-serving senator, who I served with, Frank is remembered as a tireless advocate for consumers, public health, and safety.

Bonnie, thank you for being here to accept the medal on Frank's behalf. [Applause]

Teresa Romero embodies the essential truth about America: We're a nation of immigrants where everyone is entitled to be treated with dignity and respect. The first Latina to become president of a national union in the — a national union in the United States, she made a life better for thousands of farmworkers who put food on our tables — all of them. And protecting them from extreme heat, securing overtime pay, she shows us what it means to be a champion for dignity to work.

And when — I told you, when I ran the first time in 1972 to the United States Senate, he was organizing farmworkers in the state of Delaware. And Nixon won my state by 60 percent of the vote, but I was down and championing — just learning from him. And guess what? I won anyway. [Laughter]

But anyway, thank you very much for all you've done. [Applause]

Over four decades and on and off the screen, Michael Yeoh — Michelle Yeoh, excuse me, has shattered stereotypes and glass ceilings to enrich and enhance American culture. Her roles transcend gender [genres], cultures, and lan- — and languages — martial — from martials arts to romantic comedies to science fiction — to show us what we have — all have in common. As the first Asian actor to win an Oscar as Best Actress, she bridges cultures not only to entertain but also inspire and open hearts. And that's what she keeps doing. Congratulations. [Applause]

Another inspiration — not just to me, but to Bob Dole — [laughs] — God love him — was Elizabeth Dole. You're a trailblazer, Elizabeth — the first woman in nearly every public service position you held over four decades. You served — I served with her in the United States Senate. And she's a fierce advocate for military and families and their caregivers. She's a true partner who — and her beloved Bob was a dear friend, who I miss dearly. And he was a friend, as you know. I loved him. Thank you. Thanks. [Applause]

Elizabeth, the country owes you a deep debt of gratitude — a significant debt of gratitude.

Throughout a defining career in public service, this guy, Al Gore, has demonstrated a love of country that showed the world how to lead. I worked with Al when he was a senator and as — when he was vice president. After winning the popular vote, he accepted the outcome of a disputed presidential election for the sake of unity and trust in our institutions. That, to me, was amazing what you did, Al. I won't go into that, but — [laughter].

And Al has continued to serve by leading a global movement to fight climate crisis, earning him the Nobel Prize in 2007. God love him. [Applause]

Al, history is going — history is going to remember you for many reasons. Among them will be your honesty, your integrity, and the legacy of your service. So, thank you, Al. You're first rate. Thank you. [Applause]

I've served and work closely as Senator and as Vice President and then as President with this guy: John Kerry — John Kerry. [Applause] I was Vice — I was Vice President when he was Secretary of State. And in my administration, he led our efforts to — across the globe, the first Special Presidential Envoy for Climate.

Throughout six decades — throughout six decades of service to the nation, John, as a soldier, a senator, a statesman — John Kerry was a patriot of the highest order. I can personally attest that my dear friend has as much moral courage in his pursuit of American politics as he did physical courage that earned him a Silver Star in Vietnam. You're the real deal, John. You are the real deal, pal. I have enormous admiration. [Applause]

In my view — excuse the point of personal privilege — the last two guys I mentioned both should have been standing here at this podium.

A beloved daughter of a congressman and the mayor of Baltimore — as my dad, who was in Baltimore, would say, Baltimore — [pronounced in an accent] — [laughter] — Nancy Pelosi grew up knowing the power and purpose of politics. A historic figure as the first woman Speaker of the House of Representatives, she used her superpowers to pass some of the most significant laws in our nation's history.

On January 6th, Nancy stood in the breach and defended democracy. And with her husband, Paul, they stood up to extremism and absolute — with absolute courage — physical courage.

Nancy is a brilliant, practical, principled, and determined leader. Her accomplishments are overwhelming. And I predict — and I've said this to her for a while — history will remember you, Nancy, as the greatest Speaker of the House of Representatives ever. [Applause] I mean it. We've had some great Speakers, Nancy, but I love you, kid. I really do love you. You're the best. You're the best.

De Tocqueville said, "If America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great." That's one of Jim Clyburn's favorite quotes. Always grounded in faith, family, and service, Jim has guided South Carolina and our country with a steady hand and an honest heart for over the last half century. And I could say this without fear of contradiction: I would not be standing here as President and making these awards were it not for Jim. I mean that sincerely. And neither of us would be standing here without Emily Clyburn, a woman of enormous character, who we all miss.

We're a great nation, Jim, because we have good people, like Jim and Emily Clyburn and our honorees today, all of them. My fellow Americans, Jim is the best. Thank you, Jim. [Applause]

What I had to keep doing when I was writing these introductions is make them shorter and shorter and shorter because there's so much more to say about each one of them, but we'd be here for 12 hours. [Laughter] But you all know how incredible they are — an incredible group of people.

And so, ladies and gentlemen, my fellow Americans, I congratulate the Presidential Freedom of Medal [Medal of Freedom] recipients and now — and their families for their relentlessness and curiosity.

And now I'm going to make sure we provide those medals and put them around your necks. So, thank you very much. [Applause]

MILITARY AIDE: Michael R. Bloomberg. [Applause] From the son of a bookkeeper and secretary to a visionary business leader and public servant, Michael Bloomberg epitomizes American industry and innovation. He revolutionized the financial information industry with the Bloomberg Terminal, and Bloomberg News modernized the way information is reported and received by the public. As a three-term mayor of New York City, he transformed schools, transportation, public health, and more. As a philanthropist, his contributions on everything from gun safety to climate change remind us of our responsibility to our communities, our country, and the world. [Applause]

[The Medal of Freedom is presented] [Applause]

Gregory J. Boyle. [Applause] Inspired by his Jesuit teachers, Father Greg Boyle has dedicated his life to healing and hope. As a young priest assigned to one of Los Angeles's most underserved parishes, he founded Homeboy Industries, now the largest gang rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world. It has helped thousands of Angelenos turn their lives around, connecting them to jobs, counseling, and a warm-hearted community where all are welcome and cherished. Answering Jesus's call to serve the "least of these," Father Greg is a testament to the power of God's healing love and America's enduring grace. [Applause]

[The Medal of Freedom is presented] [Applause]

James E. Clyburn. [Applause] The son of a South Carolina preacher, Jim Clyburn is a beacon of moral clarity. A graduate of South Carolina State University, this student of history became a teacher and movement leader for a fairer and freer America. His dignity and decency are surpassed only by the love shared with his dear Emily, who marched with him, and often ahead of him, from classrooms to Congress. Through three decades in the House of Representatives, he has transformed the lives of millions of Americans by passing groundbreaking laws for all our families. Jim Clyburn is touched by the divine, and his march brings us closer to a more perfect Union. [Applause]

[The Medal of Freedom is presented] [Applause]

Elizabeth Dole. [Applause] A singular trailblazer, Elizabeth Dole was the first woman to hold nearly every position she had. Over the course of four decades in public service, she served as the Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of Labor, President of the American Red Cross, and senator from North Carolina. She established a preeminent foundation dedicated to supporting America's military caregivers. Known for breaking barriers and building bridges, Elizabeth Dole has paved a path for generations of Americans to serve with honor and dignity. [Applause]

[The Medal of Freedom is presented] [Applause]

Phil Donahue. [Applause] [Mr. Donahue points at watch] [Laughter] From Irish-Catholic roots in Cleveland, Phil Donahue rose to transform television and reshape the national conversation. Over 29 years, nearly 7,000 episodes, and 20 Emmys, he pioneered the live daytime talk show, holding a mirror up to America. He interviewed everyone from our greatest stars to our forgotten neighbors, uniting us around the toughest issues of our time. Insatiably curious and accepting, he saw every guest as worthy of interest and worked to build understanding, bringing us to see each other not as enemies but as fellow Americans. [Applause]

[The Medal of Freedom is presented] [Applause]

Reena Evers, accepting on behalf of Medgar Wiley Evers. [Applause] Medgar Evers was willing to face death to give America new life. An Army soldier, he fought for freedom abroad during World War Two. At the height of the Civil Rights Movement, he was a crusading lawyer fighting for equality at home, investigating lynchings, organizing voter drives, and dismantling school segregation. The life he chose to live and the risks he took to do right are a reminder of the history he made and our charge to keep. In a life cut too short, Medgar Evers's legacy casts a ray of light on our quest to redeem the soul of our nation. [Applause]

[The Medal of Freedom is presented] [Applause]

Al Gore. [Applause] Over a lifetime of service, Al Gore has been an Army serviceman, senator, vice president, presidential nominee, and a visionary climate statesman. In a historic act of selflessness and love for country, he accepted the outcome of a disputed election for the sake of our unity and the strength of our democracy. Through his Nobel Peace Prize-winning leadership, he inspires millions to confront the existential threat of climate change. He is a model of American resilience, proof that what matters most is the courage to take on a cause bigger than ourselves. [Applause]

[The Medal of Freedom is presented] [Applause]

Clarence B. Jones. [Applause] The Philadelphia son of domestic workers and a former foster child, Clarence Jones became the wordsmith for a movement. A doer of the Word, he was an Army soldier on the frontlines in the battlefield and a civil rights lawyer on the frontlines in the courtroom. Wise and unflinching, Clarence Jones's lyrical prose and prophetic life shows us all the enduring power of the idea of America. An advisor and speechwriter to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., he helped write a new American Declaration to ensure "we hold these truths to be self-evident" is forever linked with "I Have a Dream." [Applause]

[The Medal of Freedom is presented] [Applause]

MR. JONES: [Inaudible] [Applause, Laughter]

MILITARY AIDE: John Forbes Kerry. [Applause] John Kerry's public service spans seven decades and seven continents. He demonstrated courage fighting in a war and equal courage fighting against it. A decorated naval officer who volunteered for combat, he made peace with the country for which he'd fought on the battlefield. Elected five times to the Senate by the people of Massachusetts, he was the Democratic Party's presidential nominee and came within one state of victory. The son of a foreign officer, diplomacy —

MR. KERRY: [Shrugs shoulders] [Laughter]

MILITARY AIDE: The son of a foreign officer, diplomacy is in his DNA. As Secretary of State, he worked for peace, negotiated arms control, and forged the historic Paris Agreement on climate change. He built on that work as the first-ever Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. His bold and relentless public service reflects his enduring belief in America, where our best days are still to come. [Applause]

[The Medal of Freedom is presented] [Applause]

Bonnie Lautenberg, accepting on behalf of Frank R. Lautenberg. [Applause] Frank Lautenberg was a patriot of the Greatest Generation. Born in a family of Jewish immigrants, he enlisted in the Army at 18 and served in Europe during World War Two. After graduating college on the G.I. Bill, he built and ran one of the world's most successful software companies. He later became New Jersey's longest-serving senator. As a strong advocate for consumer protection, the environment, and safe transportation, he took on the danger of secondhand smoke and fought for healthcare for people living with HIV/AIDS. When history called, Frank Lautenberg answered. [Applause]

[The Medal of Freedom is presented] [Applause]

Opal Lee. [Applause] Two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, freedom for enslaved Americans was finally enforced in Galveston, Texas, marking the nation's first Juneteenth. In that same town, Opal Lee was born six decades later. Growing up in a home that was burned down by a racist mob, she understood that history must never be erased. A teacher and advocate, she helped lead a movement with the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation. More than 150 years after that day in Galveston, Texas, she stood next to another American president, who followed her lead and made Juneteenth a federal holiday. The nation thanks Opal Lee, the "grandmother of Juneteenth." [Applause]

[The Medal of Freedom is presented] [Applause]

Kathleen Genevieve Ledecky. [Applause] A humble leader, Olympian, and champion of unparalleled determination, Katie Ledecky is the most decorated female swimmer in history with 10 Olym- — [applause] — with 10 Olympic medals and counting. An athletic prodigy from a swimming family, she captured the world's admiration with her punishing strokes and unmatched stamina, pushing through and setting the highest standards for some of the toughest races ever known. Powered by faith, family, and teamwork, Katie Ledecky is a symbol of perseverance and strength with a heart of gold that shines for the nation and for the world. [Applause]

[The Medal of Freedom is presented]

THE PRESIDENT: They once told me [inaudible]. [Laughter] [Applause]

MILITARY AIDE: Ellen Ochoa. [Applause] A granddaughter of Mexican immigrants, Ellen Ochoa lived up to their dreams that anything is possible in America. The first in her family to go to college, she became a groundbreaking aeronautical engineer, inventor, and astronaut on her way to becoming the first Hispanic woman to travel to space. In addition to nearly 1,000 hours in orbit, she is the second woman to serve as director of NASA's renowned Johnson Space Center. A beloved trailblazer and mentor, Dr. Ochoa continues to inspire people around the world to reach for the stars and achieve their dreams. [Applause]

[The Medal of Freedom is presented] [Applause]

Nancy D'Alesandro Pelosi. [Applause] After raising five children with her beloved husband, Paul, and leading the California Democratic Party, Nancy Pelosi became San Francisco's tireless champion in Congress. As the first woman Speaker of the House, she has shepherded some of our nation's most consequential laws by keeping coalitions together and standing with and up to presidents of both parties. [Laughter] Her resolve on January 6th, 2021, helped guide America through one of our darkest days. For her efforts to protect freedom and democracy, Nancy Pelosi will be known forever as the greatest Speaker of the House in American history. [Applause]

[The Medal of Freedom is presented] [Applause]

Jane Rigby. [Applause] A daughter of the great State of Delaware, Jane Rigby's passion for astronomy began as a child peering at the stars through a small telescope in a soybean field. Following her instinct and imagination, she has become a pioneering astrophysicist, now managing the James Webb Space Telescope, the most powerful telescope ever launched into space. A brilliant and prolific author, Dr. Rigby is an inspiration and tireless champion for the LGBTQI+ community. In both her professional and personal life, Dr. Rigby reminds us to never lose our sense of wonder, hope, and spirit of adventure as Americans. [Applause]

[The Medal of Freedom is presented]

THE PRESIDENT: [Inaudible] [Laughter] [Applause]

MILITARY AIDE: Teresa Romero. [Applause] A trailblazing labor leader, Teresa Romero is a champion for farmworkers across the fields, orchards, and vineyards of America who feed and fuel our nation. Born in Mexico, she has built an American life in service to others, standing up for one of our most vulnerable yet essential groups of workers and giving them the voice, hope, and inspiration to push for change. With grace under fire, her fight for safe working conditions, fair pay, and a path to citizenship is bringing us closer to realizing the full promise of America as a nation of immigrants. [Applause]

[The Medal of Freedom is presented] [Applause]

Judy Shepard. [Applause] Judy Shepard took a mother's most profound pain and turned her son's memory into a movement. Matthew Shepard's brutal death 25 years ago shocked the conscience of our nation and galvanized millions of Americans to stand against anti-LGBTQI+ hate. Together, with her husband, Dennis, their courageous advocacy has since driven tremendous progress in our laws and culture, giving young people and their families strength and hope for the future. The Shepard family's compassion reflects the best of America, where everyone is equally deserving of dignity and respect. [Applause]

[The Medal of Freedom is presented] [Applause]

Gail Lynn Hannon, accepting on behalf of James Francis Thorpe. [Applause] Jim Thorpe was the country's original multisport athlete and one of the greatest stars in American history. A member of the Sac and Fox Nation, he embodied his given name, "Bright Path," and became the first Native American to win an Olympic gold medal. He broke the world record in the decathlon and captured the public's awe as a professional football, baseball, and basketball player. He demonstrated moral courage time and time again as he overcame shameful bigotry. Jim Thorpe's story reminds us of enduring contributions of Tribal history to American history and the ongoing work of healing the souls of our nations. [Applause]

[The Medal of Freedom is presented] [Applause]

Michelle Yeoh. [Applause] Michelle Yeoh is one of the most acclaimed actresses of our time. For four decades, she has faced and shattered stigma and stereotypes to forge a groundbreaking career as one of the most versatile performers in the world, becoming the first Asian to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. Her efforts to advance gender equality, conservation issues, and global health have been felt around the world. Equal parts performer and pioneer, Michelle Yeoh continues to enrich American culture and inspires us to believe in possibilities on the big screen and beyond. [Applause]

[The Medal of Freedom is presented] [Applause]

THE PRESIDENT: I tell you what, it makes you proud to be an American, doesn't it? [Applause]

Let's give one more round of applause for this year's Presidential Freedom recipients. [Applause]

6:05 P.M. EDT

James S. Brady Press Briefing Room

1:52 P.M. EDT

Q Oh, my goodness.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Oh, my goodness. I wonder why.

Good afternoon, everybody.

Q Good afternoon.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Happy Friday. Don't say things don't get exciting in here sometimes.

I really — there's no introduction that really is needed here. I have a special guest, as you can see. Mark Hamill has decided to join us on this wonderful Friday, and I am really excited to turn it over to Mr. Hamill.
Here you go.

MR. HAMILL: Just for — okay. How many of you had "Mark Hamill will lead the press briefing" on your bingo card? Hands? [Laughter] Yeah, me either.

And look, I just got to meet the President. He gave me these aviator glasses to me.

Q What a treasure.

MR. HAMILL: I love the merch. Love it all.

But listen, I just wanted to say I was honored to be asked to come to the White House to meet the President — the most legislatively successful president in my lifetime. And, you know, I don't have to go through the list — the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the PACT Act, the CHIPS Act, all of that — Inflation. Fifteen million jobs. Look, it's all good.

I mean, I was really thrilled to meet the entire staff because you know it's not just one person. It's like a composite endeavor. And all these people — my goodness. You know, I mean, I have no idea — I had no idea just what went into what is on his plate on a daily basis.

So, that's pretty much it. I'm open to questions, although no "Star Wars" questions, please. [Laughter]

But I want to say once again how grateful I am. And it just shows you that one person can be so influential and so positive in our lives. And again, thank you so much.

And, Peter Baker, I loved your book.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Wow!

Q Thank you, Mark Hamill, for being here. What did you ask — what did you talk about with the President?

MR. HAMILL: Well, first of all, I only expected to be there for like five minutes. He showed us all these photographs. And, you know, it was really amazing to me because, you know, I was — I was invited to the Carter White House, and I came. And then I came to the Obama White House, but I never was invited into the Oval Office. And it was a large gathering. So, this one was really extra special.

Q All right, sir.

MR. HAMILL: So — yes.

Q Did President Biden bring up "Star Wars," too, sir?

MR. HAMMILL: Well, you know, I called him "Mr. President." He said, "You can call me 'Joe.'" And I said, "Can I call you 'Joe-bi-Wan Kenobi'?" [Laughter] He liked that.

But listen, I'm not really here to dominate. I have to turn it back over to our wonderful press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre. So, thank you all so much.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Thank you.

MR. HAMILL: All right, thank you.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Thank you.

MR. HAMILL: Okay.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Thank you so much for being here. I got to get those shades.

Q Tell him [inaudible] only hope.

Q [Inaudible] [Laughter]

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Thank you, guys. Thank you. [Applause]

No one ever claps for me when I get off the podium. [Laughter] Just saying.

Q [Inaudible]

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I know. The unexpected — expect the unexpected.

I don't even know where to go from there, but I do have — now I feel very by myself. Let's let the team come in. [Laughter] Thank you. Thank you, Sam, for joining.

MR. MICHEL: Sure.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: All right. Okay.

I do have a couple of things before we get into — turn — turn it into some serious business and take your questions. Thank you so much for indulging us today. We thought that might be a nice thing to do for you all to see Mark Hamill, as he was here, as you just heard, visiting from — with the President — President Biden — President here today.

So, today marks World Press Freedom Day, an occasion that highlights the importance of a free press, both of our democracy here in the United States and for our societies around the world.

From exposing corruption and human rights abuses to covering communities and conflicts the world over, gen- — journalists risk their lives every day in the pursuit of truth — in the pursuit of truth.

In a statement this morning, President Biden reaffirmed his commitment to support and take action in defense of media freedom. The Biden-Harris administration has already launched a robust government-wide campaign and built a coalition of countries to counter the proliferation and misuse of commercial spyware which has been misused against journalists and continues to provide legal and other support for media who face persecution around the world.

The President also called again for the immediate, unconditional release of all journalists who have been detained around the world, including the Wall Street Journal's Evan Gershkowi- — Gershkovich, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Alsu Kurmasheva, and of course Austin Tice in Syria.

In the coming weeks, the President will take executive action in response to the global crackdown on press freedom, declare it a grave threat to national security, and authorize measures, including sanctions and visas bans, against those who attempt to silence the press.

The United States stands by media around the world and will continue to do our part to support their important work.

Today, we also have another important day event happening later today. The President — President Biden is naming 19 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest civilian honor presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States; world peace; or other significant societal, public, or private endeavors.

We're honored to have these individuals or members of their families come to the White House today to celebrate their service.

President Biden often says there is no- — nothing beyond our capacity when we act together. These 19 Americans consistently demonstrated over their careers the power of community, hard work, and service.

Finally, this morning, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona sent a letter to schools addressing the sharp rise in antisemitic hate on college campuses. His letter made clear to schools that not only is antisemitism abhorrent and unacceptable, it is also discrimination prohibited under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Secretary Cardona reminded schools that the Department of Education provides a number of resources — including trainings, technical assistance — to ensure that school environments are free of discrimination.

His letter comes one day after President Biden spoke to this very subject. As you all know, Americans have a right to free speech and peacefully protest. But — but breaking into buildings, destroying property, and shutting down campuses is not peaceful protest. There is also no place on ca- — college campuses or in America for antisemitism.

This administration will continue to defend free speech while standing up for the rule of law.

And, Josh, good to see you.

Q Good to see you, Karine.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: All right.

Q May the Force be with you. [Laughter]

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: May the Force be with you, or, tomorrow, the 4th be with you — however you want to look at it. [Laughs]

Q Let's hope we've killed off the "Star Wars" jokes for the rest of the briefing. [Laughter]

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I — I doubt it. I feel like there's more to come in.

Q So, three subjects.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.

Q First, a top orthopedic surgeon at Shifa has apparently died in Israeli custody. He was 50 years old. If medical personnel are not going to be exempt from the war, how can Gazans hope to have any medical care? And what can you say to other doctors working in that area?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: And so, look, that is devastating news and devastating to hear. And our hearts go out to friends and families — his friend and families. That is certainly one of the hardest news that you can hear — a family member can hear, especially as someone is providing care in this — in this situation in Gaza, where we know humanitarian aid is dire and the innocent people of Gaza, the Palestinian citizens, obviously need that care. They need that assistance. So, it is obviously devastating to hear.

And the President has said, and has said very clearly, that when it comes to people who are citizens who are in Gaza providing that all-important care — humanitarian aid, humanitarian care — they need to be protected. They should be protected. And so, certainly, those conversations are going to continue.

We — we believe that, certainly, Israel has made — the Israeli government has taken efforts to do just that and has taken into account our concerns. And so, we're going to continue to have those conversations.

But it is heartbreaking to hear. I can't speak specifically to that case and what occurred. Obviously, someone's life was lost. And we have to be, certainly, mindful. And we're — at this time, I can offer my condolences. And we want to make sure innocent lives — innocent civilians of — people who are, certainly, offering that humanitarian aid, their — their lives are protected as they're doing so.

Q Secondly, what can you say about reports that Israel has briefed the administration on its efforts to evacuate civilians before a Rafah invasion?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, what I can say this — and we — we've been pretty clear. We haven't seen a comprehensive plan — a plan as it relates to their thinking on the Rafah operations. We have been also clear that — of our concerns of a maj- — any major operations — military operations into Rafah.

We have said, and you all have heard us say, there's more than a million Palestinian civilians living in — n- — well, seeking refuge in — in Rafah. And we want to make sure that they are — their — their lives are protected.

And so, that is important. And we want to s- — we want to continue to have the conversations that we've been having with the Israeli government.

As you know, it's been — those conversations have been led by the National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan. He was just here last week, as you all know, as well. And so, we had two virtual — virtual conversations. We're hoping to have one in person. We want those conversations to continue.

We believe that they are going to take — Israel government is going to take our concerns into account. But we have not seen a plan — a comprehensive plan. And we want to make sure that those conversations continue, because it is important to protect those Palestinian lives, those innocent lives, those more than a million citizens who are seeking refuge in Gaza — in — in that part of Gaza — in Rafah.

Q And — and then, lastly, on campus protests. The President has drawn the line at violence, but he said he's not bringing in the National Guard. Does he think the police presence deters violence or exacerbates it?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, just to be very clear about the National Guard: That is something that governors decide on. That is a decision for them to make, when it comes to the National Guard. And so, I want to just reiterate that again from here.

And, look, we have always been very clear. When it comes to police presence on college and universities, that is certainly something that — that universities and colleges have to make a decision on. That is something that they decide what is right to — how — right to — to move forward on their campuses and colleges.

And we understand — we understand how painful this moment is. We — you've heard me say it: It is a incredibly charged time. It is a charged environment. And it is very difficult, because of that charged environment, for law enforcement.

We also believe and it is important that all Americans can peacefully protest within the law. They have to be able to do that. It is — you heard from the President. It is — it is part of our fundamental American principles, part of our — or what make America's freedom — right? — to be able to — to protest peacefully in this country.

And it is also important, which is the second part that the President talked about yesterday — is the rule of law. We have to follow the rule of law. Violence is not protected here.

But Americans have the right to peacefully — peacefully protest within the law. And we're going to be very consistent here.

And as I said, these are incredibly pain- — incredibly painful time. And it is very charged moment. And we understand how difficult that could be.

And so, I'll just leave it there.

Is that your three topics?

Q Yes.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Okay. All right. Go ahead, Selina.

Q Thanks, Karine. So, you say that you haven't seen a comprehensive plan for Rafah, but I am told by a U.S. official that the U.S. has been briefed on some sort of initial plan. So, can you just tell us what the reaction was —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So —

Q — to Israeli counterparts about that initial brief?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, I'm going to be super mindful. These pri- — these conversations are — you know, these are diplomatic conversations. We don't read out in details, in specifics on — on the conversations that we have with our — with — certainly with all of our counterparts here.

The last time there was a virtual meeting, we did have a readout there. But I don't want to go into details.

We have been very clear, in public and in private, that our concerns with a — with a large military operation into Rafah — we do not — we're not in support of that.

And so, obviously, there's been conversations. There's been two virtual-led conversation led by the National Security Advisor on this particular topic, Rafah operations. We read out to all of you the last time that the President spoke with the Prime Minister of Israel, Rafah operations came up in that conversations.

We're not going to go into details from here. But I think we've made ourselves very clear. There are more than 1.1 — 1.5 million Palestinians who are seeking refuge there. And so, we believe those lives need to be protected. And we're going to continue to have those conversations.

Q So, to be clear, the U.S. was not satisfied with whatever —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I'm not —

Q — the U.S. was briefed on in this initial plan?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I'm just — I'm not going to go into details or specifics from here. We've been clear about our concerns. We're going to continue to be clear about our concerns here. Those conversations are going to continue. And I'm just going to leave it there.

Q And just switching gears a little bit.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.

Q A new ABC News/Ipsos poll found that nearly 4 in 10 Americans say the U.S. is doing too much to support Israel. That's up from about 3 in 10 in January. So, it is showing that support for Israel is declining as the war drags on. Is the President concerned about this?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I'm not going to go into every poll that comes out. That's for political pundits to do. I used to be one. I'm not one anymore, standing here at this podium.

But what I can say is that we saw what happened on October 7th. We heard from Hamas, a terrorist organization, what they said that they would do. A leader from that organization said they want to see October 7th happen again and again and again.

More than 1,200 souls were taken on that day. Two hundred — more than two hundred Israelis, including some American hostages, were taken by Hamas. And, as you know, we are working very hard to get that hostage deal so that we can bring hostages home, including those American hostages, create a situation where we have a ceasefire — right? — so more humanitarian aid can go through.

That is incredibly important. We're doing — we're working around the clock to get that done.

You saw Secretary Blinken in the region, meeting with regional partners. And so, that is certainly a priority and continues to be a priority for us.

Our commitment to Israel's security is ironclad, as I've said and we've said many times. They live in a tough neighborhood. And we saw what Iran did, right? They tried — they — they launched missiles and drones into Israel. And it wasn't just us that stepped in. It was leaders in the region that stepped in to make sure that they — they were able to defend themselves at that time.

And so, we want to get that hostage deal. That's what we want to see. We want to make sure that — that innocent Palestinian lives are protected. That's why we're looking into the Rafah operations and having those conversations.

But getting that hostage deal is so critical to bring hostages home, to get that humanitarian — more humanitarian aid in and to have a ceasefire. And we are committed to doing that. And you see that from this President.

Go ahead.

Q Thank you, Karine. You said that the U.S. has been clear about concerns about invading Rafah. Has it been clear about potential consequences if Israel moves forward?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Look, I'm not going to go into — I'm not going to go into speculations or what consequences might be. Our co- — we've made our concerns publicly and privately to the Israeli government.

I just mentioned the — the President had a conversation with the Prime Minister in his last — in his last call with him and Rafah operations came up.

I'm not going to go into specifics. I'm not going to go into details.

We have been very clear. There are 1.5 million Palestinians who have — who are seeking refuge in — in Rafah, and we want to make sure those lives are protected, understanding that Israel needs to also defend itself and having those Hamas operators there — we understand that they want to dismantle Hamas, and I understand that — we understand that is a priority, obviously. And we are — we are — we — we certainly appreciate that.

We also want to make sure that those 1.5 million lives — Palestinian lives who are seeking refuge there are protected. And we believe there's a way to do that. And we're going to have those conversations.

I'm not going to get into specifics from here.

Q Okay. We have learned that the King of Jordan is meeting with President Biden here at the White House next week. Can you share any details and talk about what's on the agenda?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, I can confirm the King — that King Abdullah of Jordan will participate in a private meeting with President Biden at the White House next week while he is in town. I don't have any more details for you at this time.

Certainly, we will pr- — we will provide a readout when that — when that occurs. But I can confirm that that meeting is indeed happening next week.

Q And then, just to close the loop. What was Mark Hamill doing here today? [Laughter]

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I think he said. He said he was meeting with — he was having a meeting — did you not like having him here?

Q No, I mean, that's not — [laughter] —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I was like —

Q — we all loved seeing him —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: It sounded —

Q — but —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: It sounded — it sounded very — kind of like, "Why? Why here?"

Q Well —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: No, he said it himself. I — we — we wanted to make sure that he provided — which is one of the reasons he spoke to why he was here himself. He wanted to meet with the President. They had a meeting. And —

Q But about what? [Laughter]

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Well, he — I mean, you guys asked him questions. [Laughs]

They had a meeting about what the President has been able to do on behalf of the American people. Mark Hamill was in town. They met. I think it was — it was important.

As someone — you all — you all know Mark Hamill. He is someone who has — who is very much invested in our country, very much invested in — in the direction of this country. And so, they had a — you know, they had a meeting.

It was — he ex- — he went into that meeting — and I thought — we thought it would be fun for him to come out here and lighten up — lighten up the room a little bit on a Friday. We also believe that you guys are s- — there's some "Star Wars" fans in here.

But, you know, the President — I mean, the President meets with a lot of people. There's a lot of people that come through the White House that the President has an opportunity to sit down and talk with. You just happened to — you just happened to see Mark Hamill today because we thought it would be a nice gesture to have him come out and say hello.

But I wouldn't put to m- — I really wouldn't put too much into it. He meets —

Q Okay.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: — with a lot of people here.

Q Thank you.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.

All right. Geez. Weijia is not happy about Mark Hamill being here. [Laughter] That's okay. I'm not going to tell him. He's not watching, probably. I won't tell him.

Q I don't — I haven't seen —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Do you not —

Q — the movies.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Do you not like "Star Wars"?

Q I will — I —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: You have not seen "Star Wars"?

Q I will now. I will now.

Q Booo —

Q I know.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: That's why that happened, folks. That's why I got the question. [Laughter]

Q I'm going to watch. I'm going to watch.

Q She's not alone.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Oh, there's more.

Q What?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Wow. All right. I'm going to let that go. Let's continue.

Q Weijia, we have to talk after this. I have stories.

Q For the record, I [inaudible].

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Oh, thank you, Gabe. All right. Thank you, Gabe. We thought — it's Friday, y'all. It's Friday. A little bit of — you know, a little bit of fun — "Star Wars" fun.

Go ahead, Gabe.

Q Thanks, Karine. I —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Let's transition to what you — what you actually want to talk about.

Q Yes, let's transition.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.

Q I want to pick up on what Selina had asked.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.

Q Look, I know you said that you don't want to get into specifics, but just want to make sure we —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Well —

Q — we understand you and we're clear. You did say that Israel has not provided a comprehensive plan to invade Rafah. However, our reporting and reporting of some others —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.

Q — has suggested that they have briefed the White House on a plan. So, what you're saying — by not saying "comprehensive" —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.

Q — you're saying that you have a plan, but you just don't think it's good enough.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: What I can say is that they have certainly — there's been conversations that have happened over the last two virtual meetings. And what I can say is we have been clear in our position. We continue to be clear on our position. We've expressed our concerns with a major ground invasion in Rafah — we've been very clear about that — which would have significant risk against civilian casualties and outlined — and outlined an alternative course of action. We have done that for them: outlined an alternative course of action for Israel to dismantle Hamas.

So, you can imagine, you know, that there's been some back-and-forth on that. And so, you know, we believe Israel will take our concerns on board, they will take our accounts into consideration as they plan their — their next operations. And so, we're continuing to have these conversations. We'll continue to have those conversations.

Q Could this be a tactic on the part of Israel to try and pressure Hamas to take the deal?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: That is — that's literally something for Israel to speak to. I cannot — I cannot speak to their tactics. I cannot speak to their plan.

I will say and reiterate that — that we are working very hard to get a hostage deal, obviously. And actually, what I will say is that Hamas has that deal. That is on the table. They need to take that deal.

And — and you've seen us — you've seen us be very clear about that. You've heard from the Secretary Blinken this week.

And so, we need that hostage deal so that we can — that could lead us to a ceasefire that can get those hostages home, including American hostages. And so, we think it's important to get that done.

But there is a — there is a hostage deal. It's on the table. Hamas needs to take it.

Q On a separate topic — well, sort of a similar topic.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.

Q But one of the recipients today of the Presidential Medal of Freedom will be Congressman Jim Clyburn. He had some comments earlier today where he agreed with Senator Bernie Sanders's assertion that the Israel-Hamas war is President — could be President Biden's Vietnam. What's your response to that?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, look, a couple of things. I want to be super careful because that's kind of leading into a campaign space, so I want to be really mindful on how — what I say. And a couple of things that, you know, I did think through on those — on this — knowing we'd probably get this potential question.

Look, Joe Biden ended the longest war in American history and just succeeded in convincing both parties in Congress to make crucial investments in our national security in Ukraine to help ensure we won't be drawn into conflict in Europe. And that is the President's leadership that you have seen. Right? And that is one of the reasons he's been able to bring NATO together in a way that we have not seen before.

And — and obviously, one of the reasons we had to do that is because we had to make sure that Putin didn't succeed. He didn't succeed. And — and so, the President has been taking action, obviously, on that for the past more than two years.

You heard him say yesterday — he reiterated values that being — that being us, together, we have the right to dissent, right? But it must be peaceful. It must be peaceful. And antisemitimi- — and antisemitism is horrid. It is — it is — it is hate speech, and we should treat it as hate speech.

And there is overwhelming support for his agenda, whether it's having, you know, rich special interests pay their fair share — if you think about what the President has been fighting for, especially dealing with Congress, making sure that the billionaires and corporations pay their fair share and making sure that we're building an economy that helps everyone, that doesn't leave anyone behind.

And so, we've — you've heard him talk about that — beating Big Pharma, lowering healthcare costs, making sure that we move forward with his student debt relief.

And so, those are things that the President — and those agendas are incredibly popular. And so, he's going to continue to do that work.

And obviously, Congressman Clyburn is someone that he truly respects — we all respect. And — and so, just, you know, want to — want to be mindful because it's connected to — connected to a campaign-related question.

But this is a president who has taken action to make sure that he does everything, you know, on behalf of — that's right, whether it's national security or moving forward with domestic policies that the American people want us to move forward on.

Q So, the White House disagrees with that characterization.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Look, I think I just laid out what we believe we have been able to accomplish here in the more than three years in this administration. I think they have their opinions, and they're allowed to their opinions. And — and we respect — we respect what — their opinions on this.

Go ahead.

Q Does the U.S. believe that a Rafah operation is imminent?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: That's something for Israel to speak to. What I can say is we've made our concerns very clear, publicly and privately. We've had two — two virtual conversations that have been led by the National Security Advisor, as you know, Jake Sullivan. He was here last week talk- — speaking to this.

We are going to continue to be very, very clear on where we stand about — on this and our concerns for innocent civilian lives — more than 1 million innocent civilian lives that are now in Rafah that are seeking ref- — refuge there.

I can't speak to a timeline. That is certainly for Israel to speak to. What we will say is we've made our concerns very, very clear.

Q The deadline for the administration to report to Congress on whether Israel is abiding by international law — that is next Wednesday. Do you know if the President himself has made a personal decision on that or has a personal view on that at this point?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Nothing to read out at this time.

Q And just on another topic. The speech that he's giving on Tuesday for the Holocaust Memorial Museum — can you give us a sense of how he is preparing for that, how the team is preparing for that?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, let me just say a couple of things here. And you've heard us say many times before and we'll continue to underscore how fighting antisemitism is at the cor- — at the core — at the core of who this President is.

He has — he was moved to run by the grotesque display of antisemitism in Charlottesville, as you all know and covered — some of you covered back in 2017.

And like I mentioned on Monday, he will deliver the keynote address at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum annual Days of Remembrance Cerem- — Ceremony.

During the Days of Remembrance, we remember the — we remember and mourn the 6 million Jews who were systematically murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators during World War Two.

The President will discuss our moral duty to combat the rising scourge of antisemitism and the Biden-Harris administration's work to implementing the first-ever national strategy counter anti- — antisemitism to make real the promise of never, ever, ever again.

This is — when it comes to speeches, important, big moments like this, the President obviously takes this very seriously. He knows that this is going to be an important moment for the country to hear from him. And I don't have anything beyond what I just shared.

Q The — the focus of this speech will obviously be, as you said, the Holocaust survivors, antisemitism. Given just everything that's going on, does the President believe that it would be appropriate to also address in the speech the pro-Palestinian protesters and their sentiment? Or does he believe that that should be —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, I'm going to be —

Q — for a different setting?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: — super mindful. I'm not going to — I — as I say many times, I'm not going to get ahead of the President. This speech is, you know, in — in process. And so, I'm going to let the President think through what exactly that he wants to share with the American people.

Obviously, as I just stated at the beginning of — of my answer to you, you know, fighting antisemitism is at the core of this President. And we have seen a rise in antisemitism. And we want to make sure that we make it very clear that it is hate speech. It is abhorrent. And so, certainly, you'll hear from the President very, very clearly on Tuesday. And certainly, he'll share more.

Go ahead.

Q Thanks, Karine. The White House brought on a new border person, Blas Nuñez-Neto. Wh- — what is it — what is that — is there any — does that give any indications of urgency, speed of the executive order that the President has been considering?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, look, we — we are — we look forward to — to the DHS Assistant Secretary joining the White House and continuing his work in implementing the administration's vision across the border security and immigration spaces.

Don't have anything new to read out on any new announcements. But look, this is an administration that is committed to fixing the broken immigration system. On the first day — on his first day of the — of this administration, the first piece of legislation that he put forward was one to — a comprehensive piece of legislation to deal with a broken system, to deal with what we're seeing with — at the border, the challenges.

And then, we moved forward — when that legislation was not moving forward in Congress, we spoke to — had a two-month negotiation process with senators to come up with a bipartisan proposal.

And so, that was rejected, as you all know, by Republicans because of the former President stating that this would hurt him and help Joe Biden. And that is unfortunate.

We know that this is an issue — when we talk about the immigration system — that majority of Americans care about. And so —

Q But what are the steps —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: But —

Q — that he could take?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Look, we believe that the bipartisan border security agreement that came out of the Senate that was rejected — right? — by Republicans because of the former President is the best way to move forward in a comprehensive way. That's what we want to see.

And I've sa- — I've stated this many times before. As it relates to any other actions, we're always going to look at other opportunities, other actions. We always will. Don't have anything to — to speak to — to — to announce at this moment.

We actually want to see that bipartisan immigration agreement move forward. That's what we want to see. That is going to be the most comprehensive way to deal with a broken immigration system.

You've heard me say this: If it is put into law — signed into law by this President, it would be the toughest and the fairest piece of legisla- — or law that we have seen in some time.

This system has been broken — the immigration system has been broken for decades — for decades. And it's time that we act, and Republicans have an opportunity to do that. They have an opportunity to do that.

Go ahead, April.

Q Karine, there are some very loud voices that are out there asking for President Joe Biden to issue a pardon to Marilyn Mosby, the former Baltimore City state's attorney, who is waiting for sentencing — could face 40 years for taking her own money out of a retirement account to buy a house.

And this group — to include Bakari Sellers and Angela Rye — have pulled together a lot of civil rights leaders. What is the President's thought about all of this, especially as she was one of those who really was groundbreaking in efforts of policing and accountability?

And Bakari Sellers says that it looks like political persecution as well as retribution for what she did many years ago in the Freddie Gray case that still has yet to have accountability for his death.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, I want to be really mindful here because that is obviously a Department of Justice process. And I don't want to be certainly speaking to any individual pardon request. That is not something that I — I can do. DOJ has their process. Department of Joi- — Justice, as I just mentioned, employs a process that is thorough, that is deliberative — a process to review — when it comes to a process to review executive clemency petitions. And then individuals, obviously, submit their — their applications there. There's an application process.

I want to be super mindful. I don't want to speak to, you know, an individual case here. And so, I'm going to be really mindful. This is a Department of Justice kind of jurisdiction. And so, I'm just going to leave it there.

Q But the President could indeed say, "Yes, I would like to see this happen," and add his voice to this petition.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Well, this is — Department of Justice, they go through a process. It's very thorough.

Q Right.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: It's very deliberative.

I don't want to speak your — I don't want to speak to any individual process. I've got to be super mindful here and need to be really careful as DOJ runs — Department of Justice runs this process.

And so, there's a application process for individuals. Certainly, there's a route for them to go.

I want to be really, really mindful. This is not something that I — that we do from here — from this podium, as you can understand.

Q Yeah, I —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: No, I — go ahead, April. Go ahead.

Q But I mean — I get what you're saying.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah, yeah.

Q That there's an application process. But can the President support — or can the Vice President and the President support the fact, yes, there should be a pardon, even if there is an application process, whether it happens or not?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: As you know, when the President and the Vice President weighs in, that is a — that is, you know —

Q It tips the scale.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I mean, you just — yeah, you just laid that out.

So, I want to be really careful, because there is a process that the Department of Justice has to go through. It is thorough and it is deliberative. And so, we have to let that process go through. And I don't want to — it is — I don't want to speak on that process. And I just want to be really, really mindful here.

Q Well, is the President aware of what's happening in this case? Because she was one of the — she was one of the — the forefront persons —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: No — yeah, I know. I —

Q — calling for accountability. It didn't happen in Baltimore, but there was a ripple effect with Ahmaud Arbery and —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.

Q — and — and Derek Chauvin and those with George Floyd.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I cert- — no —

Q Is he familiar with this?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I certainly know who you're speaking of. I have not had an opportunity to speak to the President about this. So, I can't — I can't say if — I can't say the President's thoughts on this because I have not spoken to him about it.

But obviously, it is very well known of what she has done, her — you know, but I don't want to — I just want to be super mindful. This is a Department of Justice process.

As you know, we're really, really careful from here, from this podium. We respect that process here.

Q Thank you.

Q Thanks, Karine. Russia's state-controlled energy company posted its first net loss since 1999 yesterday. Does the White House see that as efforts to isolate Russia working?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Say that one more time?

Q Yeah, Russia's state-controlled energy company posted its first net loss yesterday since 1999.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, I want to be —

Q And —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah, I want to be mindful. I want to talk to our team about this. I have not — I don't have any information for you — to dive into at this time.

Let me take that and bring it back to the team.

Q Can I ask another energy question, then —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.

Q — to you? Does the White House think the FTC made the right decision in approving Exxon's acquisition of Pioneer, even though the company has been accused of colluding with OPEC?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah, I'm not going to comment on that either at this time.

Go ahead.

Q Thanks, Karine. The International Court — Criminal Court prosecutor issued a statement today warning against the, quote, "threats" and attempts to intimidate the court over his work. That comes after reports that both Israel and — and some people — there are some members of Congress that warned of retaliation against the ICC if it charges Israeli officials. I just wanted to get your reaction to that and, you know —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.

Q — as to whether the — you know, the White House would back retaliation against the ICC for — for charges against Israeli officials.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, we obviously oppose any threats or intimidation to public officials that — including ICC officials. So, obviously, we're going to be always mindful and be very clear about opposing any type of a threats or attempts to intimidate. That is something that you'll hear from us pretty consistently.

But we've been clear. I was asked about this — this particular investigation by ICC a couple of days ago. We do not support it. We do not support this investigative probe. We do not believe it's within their jurisdiction. We've been very clear about that. And that obviously still remains.

I'm going to be really — you're asking me about what could be next and if we would — if we would weigh in if they were to move forward. I'm not going to get into hypotheticals from here. But we've been very clear. We oppose this — this investigation, and we do not believe it's within their jurisdiction.

Go ahead.

Q Yes, thanks, Karine. The President was very clear in condemning violence at the protests. But does he believe that any of the issues that are being raised by the protesters across campuses is legitimate?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: What's the specif- — can you tell me the specific issues that you're hearing?

Q Like, for instance, solidarity with the victims, the ceasefire, the request for more aid, "Free Palestine" chants — does he believes that any of the things that these protesters are manifesting for is legitimate?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Well, let — can — can I just speak to the things that I understand you to lay out. As it relates to ceasefire, the President is pushing for a hostage deal, which would lead to a ceasefire. The — and if you have a ceasefire — this hostage deal — it would create an environment to get more humanitarian aid into Gaza.

And you saw Secretary Blinken in the region. Just the other day, he did a press conference in Israel and he talked about the increased effort that we have ta- — undertaken to get more humanitarian — to get more trucks into Gaza.

And so, we have seen an uptick. And so, we want to continue to see that. But we have to see this hostage deal. So, get to a ceasefire, get more humanitarian aid.

We understand the dire situation that the Palestinian Americans are — pardon me, the Palestinian citizens — pardon me — are — are dealing with right now. And so, we want to make sure that we get humanitarian aid in.

Q But what about the — the requests from these protestors from universities to divest —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: We do not —

Q — in Israel —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: That is — that is —

Q — or — or to stop sending weapons to Israel?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I was asked this question, and we do not support that.

Go ahead, Adam.

Q Thanks. On the avian flu. We've talked with several hospital officials who have told us that the health system is essentially unprepared for another major health crisis if bird flu were to start spreading widely among people. In particular, hospitals don't have the manpower. There are still concerns about the ability to supply us quickly, and communication data-sharing, they say, hasn't improved markedly since even before COVID.

So, I'm curious what the White House's response is to those concerns and whether there are any preparations ongoing to ensure we can respond to that kind of a crisis.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, I want to — you know, we are monitoring this very closely and taking this very seriously. It is a top priority for this administration to make sure that communities are healthy, safe, and certainly informed. So, we're monitoring this closely.

The President has directed his administration to do the following: protect public health, protect our nation's food supply, and monitor all trends to prevent the spread of avian flu.

CDC report — they have reported that the risk for general public is low, and federal agencies are cornat- — coordinating with local authorities.

And so, monitoring closely. We want to make sure that communities feel safe, they feel protected and have the information that they need. And you heard from the CDC directly on this.

Q Is their belief that the hospital or the health system as it stands is prepared enough to withstand another major health crisis?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, that's not something for me to speak to from here. What we're doing is taking this very seriously. We're monitoring the situation. CDC has spoken to this and said the risk to the general public is low. I think that's important to note.

And the President is on top of this, making sure that his agencies are doing everything that they need to do to make sure that communities feel — are protected, that our communities are informed, and certainly are healthy.

Okay. Go ahead, Karen.

Q Thanks, Karine. On abortion. Does the administration have any reaction to this report that a Texas man has filed a petition to state district court in Texas to try and investigate possible illegal activity that was committed, he's saying, by his ex-partner, because she went to Colorado to get an abortion?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, wait. What's — say that one more time.

Q A man has — is looking to have an investigation into possible illegal activity. His ex-partner traveled out of state from Texas to Colorado to seek an abortion — get an abortion.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Look, that sounds like that's — there's a legal case. Going to be careful not to sort of respond from here.

What I will say more broadly — and what we have continued to say — that the attacks on reproductive healthcare that we have seen and makes it — makes it incredibly difficult for women to make decisions on their own body, for their own health is — is devastating. It is devastating what we're seeing.

And sadly, because of what happened — the overturning of Roe because of the Dobbs decision that happened almost two years ago — we have seen just chaos — chaos across the board. And we see tens of millions of women who are now at risk of not being able to make that decision.

I can't speak to individual cases. What I can se- — speak to is the chaos that we have seen. What I can speak to is what the President and this administration — the Biden-Harris administration are committed to protecting a woman's right to choose; a woman's right to make a decision on her own body, on her own healthcare.

And it's not just abortion, as you know. It's IVF that's under attack, contraception that's under attack.

And so, we're going to be very loud — continue to be loud and clear about that — and ask Congress to make sure that Roe becomes the law of the land, and they need to take action.

Don't want to get into legal — legal cases out there. I cannot do that from here. But as it — as it relates to reproductive healthcare, we've been very clear, and we continue to do that from here.

Q Karine.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Oh, go ahead. Go ahead.

Q Thanks, Karine. So, the President says that he wants to let the tax cuts — the Trump tax cuts expire. If that law expires, it does raise taxes on almost every American. So, does he still support that expiring without anything else in place?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, look, the — as you said, the President is going to allow — is going to — is — is going to let the Trump tax cut expire. And he was very clear. But he will not raise taxes on anyone making less than $400,000 a year. That is — that is part of the budget that you saw come out. And it's going to expire for the wealthy. So, been very clear about that.

You know, look, this is a president that's going to make sure that we protect and not raise taxes for — for people making $400,000 and less a year.

And — and Republicans want to do the opposite. They want to give tax breaks to corporations and billionaires. They've said that. They want to cut Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Who does that hurt? That hurts everyday Americans.

And so, the President has been really clear about that. He wants to expand Affordable Care Act, as you see him doing that, for Americans — making sure that they have good healthcare. And so, that's what the President is — is going to focus on.

Q But still, the President can't pick and choose which part of the law sunsets. The entire law will sunset. And the — the Tax Foundation says that someone who's married, two kids, making $85,000 would pay $1,700 more in taxes. That's somebody under $400,000 who would —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: The President has been very clear. He's going to protect working- — working- and middle-class Americans making less than $400,000 a year. He's been very clear on th- — about that.

Republicans want to do the opposite. They literally want to do the opposite. They want to give a tax break to billionaires and corporations. That's what they've said. They want to cut Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security. That's what they want to do.

And so, the President is going to do everything that he can, as he's building this economy from the middle out and the bottom up, to protect everyday Americans. That's what he wants to do: make sure that the middle class is strong. That's what he's going to do.

Republicans in Congress are saying the opposite. Literally, they're saying the opposite.

So, that's been the President's plan from day one, and he's going to continue that plan.

Go ahead, go ahead.

Q Thank you. A few things.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: A few things? No, just one. [Laughter]

Q Don't make me pick. [Laughter]

So, in the President's remarks yesterday, he was talking about Islamophobia on campuses.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.

Q Lately, we've been seeing a lot of vile, antisemitic —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.

Q — rhetoric on campuses. Does he think Islamophobia is just as big of a problem on campus as antisemitism?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: The President is always going to call out all forms of hate — always. And he had an opportunity to speak to the country. And we have seen what's been going on on these campuses.

Americans have the right to peacefully protest within — within the law, as we have said. It is our — it's part of who we are as a country, as — when we talk about our freedoms, our democracy — to disagree and agree with each other, even about this war. It is our right to do so. It is right for folks to do so.

You've got to do it peacefully. You've got to do it within the law.

And we have seen the antisemitism, and we have called that out over and over and over again. And we've seen a spike in antisemitism.

The President has been very forceful about that. He talked about his plan to counter antisemitism. He had an opportunity, as he's talking to the country — the world, really — on what has been happening across the country on college campuses — to call out antisemitism, to say that Americans have the right to peacefully protest.

And we also have to call out all forms of hate. I think — I believe — and I hope you would agree, Peter — that's an important thing for this President to do if he has the opportunity to do that. When the President speaks, people listen.

Q Something else that had somehow slipped my mind —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: How is that —

Q — over the last couple weeks.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Oh, goodness. [Laughter]

Q You are an alumna of Columbia University.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Wow, that's a shocker. [Laughter]

Q Well, you — in all the talking about it —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.

Q — you haven't brought it up. You told Columbia students a few years back —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.

Q — "Don't lose the idealism that you have." So, what do you tell them now?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Oh, you did — you did some research. Oh, my gosh. [Laughter]

Q All I do is research and just hope that you call on me.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: You did — [laughs]. You did some —

Q But now, I — what do you tell the —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I mean, look —

Q — the students —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Look —

Q — who have followed in your footsteps?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Look, I mean — look, going to be — oh, and that's actually going to be a great segue to — to the student re- — student journalist that we have in the room, Danie, after I answer this question.

Q I do have one more after that. [Laughter] Sorry, Danie.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: It's okay.

So, look, I'm not speaking on behalf of me. I'm — I'm not. I speak on behalf of this President. That's my job. And I believe in this President. I believe in the work that we do. It is an honor and a privilege to stand at this lectern every day to speak to you and all your colleagues and to take your questions. It is not about me.

And, really, your question and what you're asking me and — and what I have said to students is pretty much what the President has said: All Americans have the right to peacefully protest within the law. They have to — we have the right.

That's what makes this country so great, right? That's what makes what — when we're talking about our freedoms, our democracy, that's what's so important. The — to have the opportunity to agree and disagree and do it in a peaceful way — in a peaceful way, that's important.

And the President also called out — if you're — if you are breaking and entering and you're taking over buildings, that is not peacefully protesting. And the President was very clear about calling that out as well and also antisemitism and calling it what it is. It is hate speech.

Q My last one. At UNC-Chapel Hill this week, a group of fraternity brothers saved an American flag from an angry mob of protesters. There is now a GoFundMe where people can donate to throw them a rager. It has raised more than half a million dollars. Would President Biden donate?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: You never disappoint, my friend. [Laughter]

Q He donates to a lot of —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: You never disappoint.

Q — different causes. We saw it in his tax returns.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I'll say this, because this — there is a — there is actually a real — a real point in your question that I will address, which is — and — and I — you know, just to reiterate what we've said over and over again: Americans have — and I just said this moments ago, so I'll just reiterate this — all Americans have the — the right to peacefully protest.

It is not right to forceful- — forcefully take down the American flag to replace it with another flag. It is not right. And so — and so, I just wanted to — to make that clear as well. All right, Peter?

Q So, a donation — what about, like, a call to thank them for saving the flag?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Look, protecting the American flag is admirable. I'll leave it there, Peter.

Danie, we've — it's — it's your opportunity to shine. Everybody welcome Danie. [Applause]

Q Welcome.

Q Welcome, Danie.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Danie goes to Uniondale High School, and she is a journalist at Uniondale High School. She wants to be where you all are at some point in her — in her career.

But you have a question?

Q Thank you, Karine. Well, my question is: How can I, as editor of my school paper, be able to encourage engagement globally?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Encourage engagement? So, I think, as an editor, it is certainly important to always make sure that, you know, you listen to the community but also get that information, work on getting the facts, so that your community gets the facts, obviously.

And I believe young people want to know what's going on in their community. I believe that young people are incredibly curious right now. And laying that out for them and saying, "Hey, this is what is going on, this is how you can learn more, or this is what you should know" is so important.

And you should lead, you know, not by fear but by getting to the bottom of a story, getting to the bottom of how you're going to put those facts out.

And I think it's important, as you go through your career — your journalistic career — you have some really brilliant journalists here who certainly could give you advice, if — I'm sure they'd love to talk to you after this briefing. I'm sure they have time to do that because they're all looking at me and smiling.

And, you know, they could actually give you, I think, some really sound advice, some helpful advice on how to move through your career.

But young people are curious. They're very curious right now. They want to know more. And this is a great opportunity for you, as an editor at your high school, to do just that and to have those important conversation, whether they agree or disagree, and lay out the facts for them and so they can make decisions for themselves.

Thank you for the question.

All right. I'll take one more, guys.

Q Karine —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I'll take one more.

[Cross-talk]

Oh, my gosh. Go ahead. Go ahead.

Q Thanks, Karine. Just to follow up on the press freedom executive actions that you mentioned. Is there anything we can expect aimed at Russia in response to Evan?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, as you know, we're going to be announcing some executive action shortly. Don't want to — certainly don't want to get ahead of that. So, once we — in the next couple of weeks, we'll have more — we'll m- — we'll have more to share. Don't have anything at this time. But we're working through that.

And we think it's really important. We think it's really important to continue to take action. A free and independent media is critical, as I just took a question from a high school — a future general- — journalist — who's a journalist now, obviously, at her high school. And it is vital to our global security.

We appreciate the work that journalists do every day. And it is some of — some journalists, many journalists put their lives at risk, put their lives at stake.

All right. Thanks, everybody.

And so — and you hear me say this before, journalists are not the enemy and they should be protected. And freedom of the press — what we do here every day, it is — it is a — an exercise of the freedom of the press. And so, we want to make sure that that continues, not just here but, obviously, globally.
Q Thanks, Karine.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Have a great weekend.

2:46 P.M. EDT

Too many families know the pain of having their lives and livelihoods devastated by powerful hurricanes, tropical storms, and typhoons. During National Hurricane Preparedness Week, we shed light on the dangerous impacts of hurricanes and share best practices on how to prepare and stay safe. We also show our gratitude to the first responders, volunteers, and all those who help to prepare communities in advance and rescue, recover, and rebuild in the wake of their darkest moments.

In Louisiana, Florida, New York, and Puerto Rico, I have walked the empty streets that hurricanes left behind. Community members have told me about the homes, churches, and small businesses that stood there only a few days before — how everything they had worked for had been wiped out. Hurricanes have caused billions of dollars in damage. With the climate crisis, extreme weather events like hurricanes may grow more frequent and intense.

My Administration has taken action to make our Nation more resilient to and prepared for extreme weather. Our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law — the most significant investment in infrastructure in decades — is strengthening, restoring, and building roads, bridges, and ports across our country. I also signed the Inflation Reduction Act — the most significant climate investment in the history of the world. With these pieces of legislation, we are investing tens of billions of dollars in building a future that keeps Americans safe from the threat of extreme weather. We are modernizing building codes to be more protective and upgrading electric grids so the power does not go out when storms land. We are helping States prepare safe evacuation routes and launch new construction projects that keep vulnerable coastal communities safe against extreme weather events like hurricanes and storm surges. We are revitalizing critical ecosystems like reefs, beaches, and wetlands that naturally keep us safer during storms by buffering shorelines against the waves.

This week, as we approach hurricane season, every American can take steps to plan, prepare, and better protect their families and homes. Review emergency plans and insurance policies and make sure they are up to date. Store important documents in a secure and accessible place, learn local evacuation routes, and prepare an emergency kit. If a storm approaches, keep a close eye on storm surge and hurricane warnings, and follow guidance from local authorities. Spreading awareness about preparation for hurricanes can make a huge difference in keeping friends, families, and neighbors safe. For more information, visit ready.gov for tips on how to protect yourself from all hazards.

I have often said that America is the only country that has emerged from every crisis stronger than when we entered it. That is in no small part due to the courage and compassion of volunteers, first responders, and everyday people who show up in the wake of disaster. They have put roofs over people's heads, rebuilt what was lost, and saved lives. This National Hurricane Preparedness Week, we honor their service, and we recommit to doing our part in keeping America's communities safe and secure from these disasters.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 5 through May 11, 2024, as National Hurricane Preparedness Week. I urge all Americans to help build our climate-resilient Nation so that individuals, organizations, and community leaders are empowered to take action to make their communities more secure in the face of extreme weather and climate change. I call on our Federal, State, Tribal, territorial, and local government agencies to share information that will protect lives and property.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

Teachers are the heart and soul of our Nation. They care for our Nation's students, pass on knowledge to rising generations, and inspire our children to dream up new possibilities for their futures. The power of a great teacher is profound, and — on National Teacher Appreciation Day and during National Teacher Appreciation Week — we thank them for their tireless efforts and recommit to taking care of our teachers, just as they have taken care of all of us.

Our Nation asks so much of our teachers, and that is why my Administration supports them in all that we do. Our American Rescue Plan provided historic funding for schools to reopen safely after the pandemic so that teachers could return to their classrooms. It also delivered critical support for schools — from supporting early childhood programs and funding after-school and summer programs to hiring more teachers, counselors, and school psychologists.

We also passed the most significant bipartisan gun safety law in nearly 30 years because teaching should not be a life-threatening profession and teachers should never be on the frontlines of the gun violence epidemic. The law enhanced background checks for people under the age of 21 and gave States funding to enact red flag laws. At the same time, the law provided $1 billion to help schools hire and train mental health counselors. But we need to do more — I continue to call on the Congress to implement commonsense gun safety laws that protect our kids and teachers.

Teachers deserve so much more breathing room: As I said in my State of the Union Address, let us give public school teachers a raise. Let us help relieve them of the student debt they took on to become teachers. My Administration has already worked to take the crushing weight of student debt off teachers' shoulders by fixing the Public Student Loan Forgiveness [PSLF] program. To date, we have canceled over $62.8 billion in student debt for nearly 900,000 public service workers, including teachers. That is up from the only 7,000 workers who had received PSLF when I took office.

There is still much more to do to make sure our teachers are fully supported. My Budget proposes investing nearly $3 billion in teachers and other educators, including $650 million to support pathways into the profession, help keep great teachers in the profession, and increase the diversity of the profession. My Budget also proposes eliminating the origination fees charged to borrowers on every new Federal student loan, which would save the typical teacher $1,000 or more throughout the repayment process. Further, my Administration proposed a rule that would boost Head Start teacher wages by $10,000 on average, ensuring that they are getting the wages they deserve.

The First Lady has reminded me over the years that for teachers, teaching is more than what they do — it is who they are. That sense of purpose powers our Nation's teachers every day — even through the long hours they spend setting up classrooms, preparing lesson plans, and educating our future leaders. I have had the honor of meeting so many of our Nation's great teachers, who have poured their hearts into caring for their students — not only by educating them but motivating and inspiring them. Teachers hold the kite strings that keep our national ambitions aloft. The future of our Nation is in their hands. Today and this week, may we all show them the gratitude they deserve. We will always have their backs.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 7, 2024, as National Teacher Appreciation Day and May 6 through May 10, 2024, as National Teacher Appreciation Week. I call upon all Americans to recognize the hard work and dedication of our Nation's teachers and to observe this day and this week by supporting teachers through appropriate activities, events, and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.




JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

During Yom HaShoah and these days of remembrance, we mourn the six million Jews who were systematically targeted and murdered in the Holocaust, one of the darkest chapters in human history. We also mourn the Roma, Sinti, Slavs, people with disabilities, LGBTQI+ people, racial minorities, and political dissidents who were killed or endured abuse by the Nazis and their collaborators, as well as those who risked or lost their lives to protect others. We honor the memories of the victims, the courage of the survivors, and the heroism of those who stood up to the Nazis, and we recommit ourselves to making real the promise of "Never Again."

I often reflect on memories of sitting around our kitchen table where my father would educate my siblings and me about the horrors of the Holocaust. Entire families wiped out. Communities savagely destroyed. Survivors left with memories and traumas that will never go away — even as the tattoos etched into their skin by the Nazis fade and the number of survivors dwindles. My dad taught us that silence is complicity — a lesson I have passed down to my children and grandchildren by taking them to the Dachau concentration camp in Germany. As United States Senator, as Vice President, and now as President, I have met with many Holocaust survivors, promising them that our Nation would neither forget what they endured nor ever again stand by silently in the face of antisemitism.

The charge has never been more urgent than in the aftermath of Hamas' vicious terrorist attack on October 7th — the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. Among the 1,200 innocent people who were slaughtered and the hundreds taken hostage were elderly survivors of the Shoah, who were forced to relive the horrors they thought they had escaped decades ago. My Administration is working tirelessly to free the hostages who have been held by Hamas for over half a year — and as I have said to their families, we will not rest until we bring them home.

While Jews across the country and around the world are still coping with the trauma of that day and its aftermath, we have seen an alarming surge in antisemitism at home and abroad that resurfaces painful scars of millennia of antisemitism and hate against the Jewish people. This includes harassment and calls for violence against Jews — in our schools, in our communities, and online. This blatant antisemitism is reprehensible and dangerous. Antisemitic hate speech has absolutely no place on college campuses or anywhere else in our country. As Americans, we cannot stay silent as Jews are attacked, harassed, and targeted. We must also forcefully push back attempts to ignore, deny, distort, or revise the history of Nazi atrocities during the Holocaust or Hamas' murders and other atrocities committed on October 7th — including the appalling and unforgiveable use of rape and sexual assault to terrorize and torture Jewish women and girls.

My commitment to the safety of the Jewish people and the security of Israel is ironclad. Under the first-ever National Strategy to Combat Antisemitism, my Administration is mobilizing the full force of the Federal Government to crack down on antisemitism and to ensure hate has no safe harbor in America. We clarified civil rights protections for Jews under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Department of Education is leading investigations into antisemitism on college campuses. The Department of Justice is investigating and prosecuting hate crimes. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is focused on delivering security resources to Jewish communities. We provided the largest-ever increase in funding for the physical security of non-profits, including synagogues, Jewish community centers, and Jewish schools. I appointed Deborah Lipstadt, a Holocaust expert, to be the first-ever Ambassador-level Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism around the world.

During these somber days of remembrance, we mourn the lives tragically stolen in the Shoah and on October 7th. As we hold the Jewish community close to our hearts, we recommit to remembering so that what happened can never be erased. Some injustices are so heinous, horrific, and grievous that they cannot be buried, no matter how hard people try. In silence, wounds deepen, but in remembrance comes healing, justice, and repair. Toward those aims, we must all forcefully act against antisemitism and all forms of hate-fueled violence. As we do, we honor the courage, strength, and resilience of the Jewish people, who have inspired the world for generations by turning pain into purpose, healing into hope, and darkness into light.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 5 through May 12, 2024, as a week of observance of the Days of Remembrance of the Victims of the Holocaust, and I call upon the people of the United States to observe this week and pause to remember victims and survivors of the Holocaust.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
third day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

Our Nation's over 20 million public servants work hard to deliver for our families, communities, and country. Their work matters to people's everyday lives: They keep neighborhoods safe and the buses running, and build futures for people in their hometowns. They are the lifeblood of our democracy, acting as brave first responders, election workers, and service members defending our country. This week, we recognize our Nation's public servants, who do the humble yet critical work of keeping our country running.

When I came into office, our country was facing an unprecedented crisis — a pandemic was raging and the economy was reeling. But we turned things around — in no small part because of our public servants. I signed the American Rescue Plan, providing $350 billion to ensure public servants could stay on the job. That money put more police officers in our communities and more teachers and education support professionals in our schools. It went directly to every community in America so public servants could decide how to best help their communities. Because of public servants' work, child care centers stayed open, families stayed in their homes, and small businesses stayed afloat. At the same time, this legislation also made one of the biggest investments ever in public safety. Our public servants have done an incredible job of putting these resources to work by hiring more officers for accountable, effective community policing and supporting violence intervention programs that help prevent crime in the first place. Together, we created new jobs, new businesses, and new hope for folks across the country.

Our Nation relies on our public servants every day, and they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. That is why I issued an Executive Order to increase the minimum wage for Federal employees to $15 per hour, ensuring our public servants are paid fairly while also attracting more competitive applicants to these critical roles. I established a White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment, led by Vice President Harris, to strengthen the right to organize and bargain collectively, including for Federal Government workers. Further, I launched a Government-wide initiative to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Federal workforce so that it reflects all the communities we serve. My Administration finalized a rule prohibiting Federal agencies from considering an applicant's current or past pay when determining their future salaries –- eliminating gender and racial pay inequities that can otherwise follow those seeking a job in public service. To ensure all Federal employees feel safe and supported in the workplace, I took executive action to protect Federal employees from discrimination on the basis of their gender identity or sexual orientation — pushing the Federal Government to become the model employer it can and should be.

My Administration has also taken significant action to provide student debt relief — giving our public servants some well-deserved breathing room. I fixed the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which was designed to make sure public servants could get their student loans forgiven once they made payments for 10 years. When I took office, only 7,000 public servants had had their debts forgiven — it was past time to fix it. Thanks to my Administration's reforms, nearly 876,000 public servants have had their student debts forgiven.

We must do more to protect our Nation's public servants, who provide the expertise necessary for our democracy to function. To guarantee that career civil servants can continue to share their expertise and keep our democracy working, my Administration finalized a rule to protect the jobs of 2.2 million career civil servants — no matter who is in office.

Meanwhile, my Administration is working to empower and strengthen the career Federal workforce more than ever before. My Budget includes a focus on hiring more public servants into mission critical jobs, helping provide better services to the American people.

This week, I hope all the public servants feel proud. Across the country, we are seeing new shovels in the ground, people going to work, and families thriving. People are feeling pride in their hometowns and their country again and in knowing that we can get big things done when we work together. We are witnessing the greatest comeback our country has ever known — in no small part because of the hard work and dedication of our Nation's public servants.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 5 through May 11, 2024, as Public Service Recognition Week. I call upon all Americans to celebrate public servants and their contributions this week and throughout the year.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
third day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

For decades, Native communities across this continent have been devastated by an epidemic of disappearances and killings, too often without resolution, justice, or accountability. On Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day, we honor the individuals missing and the lives lost, and we recommit to working with Tribal Nations to end the violence and inequities that drive this crisis, delivering safety and healing.

Across Indian Country, justice for the missing has been elusive for too long. Too many Native families know the pain of a loved one being declared missing or murdered, and women, girls, and LGBTQI+ and Two-Spirit individuals are bearing the brunt of this violence. In the depths of their grief, the work of investigating these disappearances, demanding justice, and fighting for the hopeful return of their loved ones has fallen on the shoulders of families. Legions of brave activists have sought to change that. We need to provide greater resources and ensure the accountability that every community deserves.

During my first year in office, I signed an Executive Order directing Federal agencies to join Tribal Nations in responding to this crisis with new urgency. Since then, the Department of Justice and the Department of the Interior have worked together to accelerate investigations and bring families closure in ways that respect their cultures and the trauma they have endured. The Department of the Interior created a unit dedicated to this work, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation has hired personnel to focus on these cases and ensure that victims' families are heard throughout this process. Further, as a result of an effort spearheaded by Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland when she was in the Congress, Federal agencies are responding to and implementing the recommendations of the Not Invisible Act Commission — a commission composed of loved ones of missing or murdered individuals, law enforcement, Tribal leaders, Federal partners, service providers, and survivors of gender-based violence — to combat this epidemic. We will continue working with the governments of Canada and Mexico through the Trilateral Working Group on Violence Against Indigenous Women and Girls to make sure our efforts are coordinated and incorporate Tribal input.

At the same time, we are supporting efforts within the community to crack down on gender-based violence in Indian Country. We reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act [VAWA] in 2022, which included historic provisions to strengthen Tribal sovereignty and safety, expanding Tribal jurisdiction to include prosecution of non-Native perpetrators of stalking, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and child abuse for crimes committed on Tribal lands. Further, my Administration invested in training for law enforcement and Federal court officers to ensure they respond to cases of gender-based violence through a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach. My new Budget designates $800 million for the Department of Justice to support VAWA programs, including a new grant program that will work to address the missing or murdered Indigenous persons crisis.

The United States has made a solemn promise to fulfill its trust and treaty obligations to Tribal Nations and to help rebuild Tribal economies and institutions. Ending this devastating epidemic is an important piece of that work. Today, we mourn with the families who have lost a piece of their soul to this crisis, and we honor the Indigenous activists and advocates who have summoned the courage to shine light on the tragedy. Their actions have already saved countless lives. Together, we will resolve these unanswered questions and build a future for everyone based on safety, security, and self-determination.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 5, 2024, as Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day. I call on all Americans and ask all levels of government to support Tribal governments and Tribal communities' efforts to increase awareness and address the issues of missing or murdered Indigenous persons through appropriate programs and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

America's natural wonders and historic treasures are the heart and soul of our Nation. From the high plateaus and deep ravines of the Grand Canyon to the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg and the rolling forests of the Great Smoky Mountains, our national parks unite and inspire us, connecting us to something bigger than ourselves. This week, we recommit to protecting and caring for all 429 parks and encourage Americans everywhere to enjoy them.

Protecting our national parks preserves their majestic beauty as well as meaningful pieces of our Nation's history and future. They contain irreplaceable ecosystems that help sustain the air we breathe and the water we drink, and make our Nation more resilient to the threat of climate change. They give families priceless memories of sharing the great outdoors and exploring our past, and create hundreds of thousands of jobs in recreation. Many of them help preserve sites and places that are sacred to Tribal Nations, who have stewarded these lands since time immemorial.

My Administration has pursued the most ambitious land and water conservation agenda in American history — and I am on track to conserve more lands and waters than any other President in history. That work began with setting our first-ever national conservation goal: to protect and conserve at least 30 percent of all our Nation's lands and waters by 2030 by investing in locally led, voluntary conservation and restoration efforts through our "America the Beautiful" Initiative. I signed an Executive Order protecting America's forests and harnessing the power of nature to fight climate change while also launching a new National Nature Assessment to help evaluate the status of our lands, waters, and wildlife.

Since I took office, my Administration has conserved over 41 million acres of our Nation's precious lands and waters — from safeguarding the Tongass National Forest in Alaska, the Nation's largest national forest, to restoring protections for the desert buttes of Bears Ears National Monument in Utah. I established five new national monuments, including Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni on the edge of the Grand Canyon, a place that is sacred to many Tribal Nations, and the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument, which tells the story of the events surrounding Emmett Till's murder and their significance in the civil rights movement. Just last month, I signed an Executive Order to better recognize and integrate the history of women and girls into the parks, monuments, and historic sites that the National Park Service helps protect.

National parks and the complex ecosystems they contain also help make our Nation more resilient to the existential threat of climate change. My Administration has made the biggest investment in conservation and climate action in history, including $700 million in our national parks for increased staff and much-needed maintenance. My Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests in sustaining our lands and waters with projects to protect salt marshes, remove invasive species from sagebrush ecosystems to reduce wildfire risk, and more. It is helping to build new trails, roads, bridges, and other transportation for our national parks as well, making our parks easier to visit. It pays for bonuses and training opportunities for over 20,000 wildland firefighters. Meanwhile, we have been working closely with Tribal Nations to recognize the value of their Indigenous Knowledge and expand Tribal co-stewardship of national parks. My recent Budget asks for over $3 billion for the National Park Service itself to upgrade park infrastructure, work with Tribal Nations in stewarding and managing culturally significant lands, support youth programs that can lead to good-paying jobs, and more. Through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership, the National Park Service is helping to create and renovate parks and outdoor spaces in communities that have been without them for too long.

I encourage everyone to explore America's national parks — and on April 20, entry will be free. Each time my family and I have visited one, we have left feeling inspired by our Nation's natural beauty and humbled by the responsibility that we all share to make sure that it endures. This National Park Week, we recommit to the work of protecting our Nation's natural treasures for the ages.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 20 through April 28, 2024, as National Park Week.? I encourage all Americans to find their park, recreate responsibly, and enjoy the benefits that come from spending time in the natural world.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.


JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:


I am returning herewith without my approval H.J.Res. 98, a resolution that would disapprove of the National Labor Relations Board's [NLRB] rule entitled "Standard for Determining Joint Employer Status."

Since day one, my Administration has fought to strengthen workers' right to organize and bargain for higher wages, better benefits, and safer working conditions. The NLRB's rule would prevent companies from evading their bargaining obligations or liability when they control a worker's working condition — even if they reserve such control or exercise it indirectly through a subcontractor or other intermediary. If multiple companies control the terms and conditions of employment, then the right to organize is rendered futile whenever the workers cannot bargain collectively with each of those employers.

Without the NLRB's rule, companies could more easily avoid liability simply by manipulating their corporate structure, like hiding behind subcontractors or staffing agencies. By hampering the NLRB's efforts to promote the practice and procedure of collective bargaining, Republicans are siding with union-busting corporations over the needs of workers and their unions. I am proud to be the most pro-union, pro-worker President in American history. I make no apologies for my Administration protecting the right to organize and bargain collectively.

Therefore, I am vetoing this resolution.


JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

THE WHITE HOUSE,
May 3, 2024.

Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Oklahoma and ordered Federal aid to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes during the period of April 25 to April 27, 2024.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in the counties of Douglas and Washington.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding is also available to State, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal and emergency protective measures in the counties of Douglas and Washington.

Lastly, Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Mr. Andrew P. Meyer of the Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA] has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas.

Damage assessments are continuing in other areas, and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are fully completed.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA [3362], or by using the FEMA App. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service [VRS], captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MEDIA SHOULD CONTACT THE FEMA NEWS DESK AT [202] 646-3272 OR FEMA-NEWS-DESK@FEMA.DHS.GOV.

The U.S. labor market added 175,000 jobs in April, another solid month for job gains, with over 60% of private-sector industries adding jobs. The unemployment rate ticked up slightly to 3.9% —it went from 3.83% to 3.86%—and the labor force participation rate held steady at 62.7%. To extract a stronger signal from the monthly data, it's always useful to average over a few months; over the past three months, payrolls are up a strong 242,000 [see CEA's jobs day X threadfor a deeper dive into the report].

As we've discussed in many recent blogs, the persistently strong labor market—unemployment has now been below 4% for 27 months in row, the longest such period since the 1960s—has generated job and wage gains that are helping to power the strong, ongoing expansion.

At the same time, as economic expansions progress, we expect GDP and job growth to slow to a steadier and more stable pace than the breakneck growth pace coming out of the trough of the pandemic-induced recession. Economists have referred to this as "normalization" or sometimes, as "economic cooling."

In this post, we show what that means in terms of some of the key variables that matter most to working households. BLUF: cooling or normalizing is necessary and positive. It irons out some of the residual kinks from the pandemic period and allows the economy to settle into a more sustainable pace, while maintaining robust job and earnings opportunities. The evidence presented below shows a cooling job market, but one that is cooling from unsustainably hot to a pace consistent with maintaining full employment conditions as well as slowly easing inflation.

Figure 1 shows the ongoing realignment of labor demand and labor supply. It simply subtracts the labor force from the sum of jobs plus vacancies. Putting aside the frictional unemployment that always persists in job markets, and making up simple numbers to elucidate the concept, if employment was 7 and there were 3 openings, demand equals 10; if the labor force also equals 10, then there's no gap: supply and demand are aligned.

The figure shows that after sharply rebounding in 2020, labor demand soon far surpassed labor supply, a misalignment that can constrain a recovery. But as employment cooled and labor supply sped up, this measure started moving back towards its pre-pandemic level.

A relevant note on these dynamics that takes us back to today's report is that the rebalancing of the labor market has come not from a decline in the employment rate, but from a combination of declining vacancies [reflecting cooling demand without job loss] offset by strong growth in the labor force [reflecting growing supply]. One area where this important supply-side trend is particularly notable is in the labor supply of prime-age women [age 25-54]. In April, their LFPR hit 78%, the highest level on record with data back to the late 1940s.

Figure 2 shows cooling wage gains, though importantly, gains that are still handily beating inflation, and have done so for over a year [note that we do not yet have April inflation data; March CPI inflation was 3.5%]. The wage data here are for the 80% of private sector workers in non-managerial or blue-collar jobs. Over the past year, pay is up 4% for these low- and middle-wage workers. Driven by the sharp labor demand-over-supply pattern in the above figure, nominal wage growth for middle-wage workers spiked up to 7% in early 2022, but has gradually cooled to 4% in April.

As noted, for the past year or so, this wage series has outpaced inflation, meaning yearly real wage gains and greater purchasing power of these workers' paychecks.

The appendix shows a figure from the recent Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey that captures other aspects of the cooling labor market. Importantly, quits have come down notably since their COVID peak, reflecting both that the shift to more preferable jobs and work schedules that occurred after COVID has largely ended, as well as that labor demand has cooled. Cooling demand is also shown by the decline in the hiring rate. In contrast, the layoff rate has been stable, underscoring the point that labor-market is cooling to a more sustainable pace while still delivering solid job and wage growth.

We learned at least two things this morning about the U.S. labor market. First, most importantly, we learned that employers continue to hire at a strong pace, helping to generate record spells of both low unemployment and high women's LFPRs. Second, we learned that as the pandemic continues to fade into the rear-view mirror, some key economic misalignments are realigning in a manner consistent with steady, stable, sustainable growth.

With today's report of 175,000 new jobs, the great American comeback continues. When I took office, I inherited an economy on the brink, with the worst economic crisis in a century. I had a plan to turn our country around and build our economy from the middle out and the bottom up. Now we are seeing that plan in action, with well over 15 million jobs created since I took office, working-age women employed at a record high rate, wages rising faster than prices, and unemployment below 4 percent for a record 27 months in a row.

There's more work to do. I have a plan to lower the cost of rent and homeownership by building 2 million homes; to cut taxes for middle-class families and American workers; and to continue making health care, prescription drugs, inhalers, and insulin more affordable. Congressional Republicans have a different vision. They are fighting to slash taxes on billionaires and let special interests rip off Americans. I will keep fighting for the middle class and hardworking families I grew up with—for Scranton, not Park Avenue.

The free press is an essential pillar of democracy, and the women and men worldwide who uphold it do vital work. Journalists go to great lengths to expose corruption, document wars and other urgent world events, bring to light threats to public safety, and bring citizens the information they need to participate fully in their societies. Some journalists have given their lives to this work. Others have suffered grievous injuries or lost their freedom.

Journalism should not be a crime anywhere on Earth. On World Press Freedom Day, we honor the bravery and sacrifice of journalists and media workers around the world risking everything in pursuit of truth.

This is especially resonant today. 2023 was one of the deadliest years for journalists in recent memory. One reason for that is the war in Gaza, where far too many journalists, the vast majority of them Palestinian, have been killed. Additionally, over 300 journalists were imprisoned around the world last year – the highest number in decades. In Russia, American journalists Evan Gershkovich and Alsu Kurmasheva have been imprisoned in connection with their work for the Wall Street Journal and for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. And Austin Tice is still being held hostage in Syria after nearly twelve years.

On World Press Freedom Day, the United States calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all journalists who have been put behind bars for simply doing their jobs. And we call for the protection of journalists everywhere, including during military operations. My Administration will continue to support free and independent media worldwide. We have brought together a coalition of countries to counter the proliferation and misuse of commercial spyware, which is often used to monitor journalists worldwide. And we're taking action to combat crimes against journalists, strengthen security for independent media outlets, and provide legal support for investigative journalists around the world.

In the coming weeks, I will be taking executive action in response to the global crackdown on press freedom, as exemplified by the wrongful detention of journalists around the world. I will declare this crackdown on press freedom a grave threat to national security and will authorize measures, including sanctions and visa bans, against those who take abusive actions to silence the press.

Journalists and media workers are an essential part of any democracy, because well-informed dissent is critical to building stronger and more successful societies. Today and every day, we recognize their courage, support their right to do their jobs, and stand with them for press freedom.